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Planning your first trip to San Francisco and not sure where to start? You’re not alone!
This iconic West Coast city packs a lot into its famously hilly 49 square miles, from Golden Gate views and charming neighborhoods to coastal trails and an incredible blend of food, culture, and history.
Before our visit, I spent hours researching the best spots, local tips, and can’t-miss experiences to make sure we had a well-balanced itinerary for our long weekend in San Francisco.
My goal? See the highlights, discover some local favorites, and sprinkle in enough downtime to actually enjoy it all.
In June, my boyfriend, Tim, and I finally made it happen! We spent 3 days in San Francisco as part of our larger California road trip (and even fit in a brunch with friends ahead of their wedding later that week).
This guide follows our exact 3-day San Francisco itinerary, complete with tips and recommendations so you can make the most of your own visit.
Let’s get started!
3-Day San Francisco Itinerary
We spent a long weekend in San Francisco, starting our visit on a Saturday morning and staying through Monday afternoon.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what we covered during our 3 days in San Francisco:
Day 1: Coastal Views, Comfort Food, & Sourdough Bowls
- Fly to San Francisco
- Pick up rental car
- Lunch at WenChang Dumpling Restaurant
- Hike the Lands End Trail & Visit Sutro Baths
- Dinner at Boudin Bakery
- Free wine for guests at The Andrews Hotel
- Optional: Sunset at Sutro Baths or Ocean Beach
Day 2: San Francisco Icons & Waterfront Walks
- Free breakfast at The Andrews Hotel
- Walk around Union Square
- Ride the Cable Car to Fisherman’s Wharf
- Irish Coffee & lunch at The Buena Vista
- Pit stop at Ghirardelli Square
- Support local at the Fort Mason Farmers Market
- Stroll through the Marina District
- Admire the Palace of Fine Arts
- Golden Gate views from Crissy Field
- Dinner at Scoma’s Restaurant
- See the Sea Lions at Pier 39
- Explore Chinatown & the Kobe Mural
- Gelato at Amorino Gelato
Day 3: Painted Ladies & Local Neighborhood Gems
- Free breakfast at The Andrews Hotel
- Photos of the Painted Ladies from Alamo Square
- Brunch at The New Spot on Polk
- Browse Russian Hill Bookstore
- Coffee at Saint Frank Coffee
- Depart for Yosemite National Park
Of course, you can always tailor this 3-day San Francisco itinerary to match your interests and timeline.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these stops.
Day 1 in San Francisco
Our first day in San Francisco was all about shaking off travel fatigue and soaking in some of the city’s most scenic coastal views.
After a hearty lunch in the Richmond District, we hit the trails for some stunning Golden Gate vistas, explored historic ruins by the sea, and wrapped up the day with San Francisco’s signature comfort food—clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
Lunch in the Richmond District
After our morning flight into SFO, we picked up our rental car and headed straight for WenChang Dumpling Restaurant.
Tucked away in San Francisco’s Richmond District, this unassuming local gem serves up some perfectly steamed dumplings, savory noodle dishes, and rich broths—exactly what we were looking for after a full morning of travel.
The Richmond neighborhood itself is known for its yummy Asian cuisine, so it’s a great first stop to get an authentic taste of the city beyond the touristy areas.
And, WenChang Dumpling Restaurant is the perfect place to fuel up for the rest of Day 1 of your San Francisco itinerary!
Lands End Trail & Sutro Baths
With full bellies, we made our way to the Lands End Trail, one of my favorite stops of our 3 days in San Francisco.
This 3.4-mile, moderate trail winds along a rugged stretch of coastline, offering incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and, on clear days, the Golden Gate Bridge.
The salty ocean air, the sound of waves crashing below, and the wildflowers dotting the path make this hike feel like a true California welcome.
Along the way, we stopped at the Sutro Baths ruins, once a grand, public saltwater swimming complex in the late 1800s. Now, its crumbling walls and tide pools make for a hauntingly beautiful photo stop.
We heard that golden hour here is magical—the cliffs glow warm and the ocean turns a deep blue—but even midday, it’s a stunner and deserves a spot on your San Francisco itinerary!
If you have extra time, detour to Mile Rock Beach, the Palace of the Legion of Honor, the USS San Francisco Memorial, or Fort Miley.
The visitor center has restrooms and a decent-sized parking lot (though we waited a few minutes for a spot during our Saturday midday visit).
A Broad Recommendation: I carried my Panadila Women’s Waffle Knit Jacket, and I’m glad I did. Even in mid-70s sunshine, parts of the trail were windy and chilly. Tim was even comfortable in his warm puffer jacket! I also wore my Women’s Weekends, which were comfy for the hike—but just a heads up, the trail can be dusty and sandy, so white shoes may need a good scrub afterward!
Dinner at Boudin Bakery
You can’t visit San Francisco without having clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl—and Boudin Bakery is the place to do it!
Tim tried the Italian sandwich, I had the turkey and avocado sandwich, and we both got the chowder—yes, we doubled up, and yes, it was worth it.
Everything was so delicious, and our late lunch held us over for the entire evening.
A Broad Recommendation: We went to the 10th and Geary location, which is takeout only (oops!). If you want to sit down, head to their flagship location at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Wine at The Andrews Hotel
After an adventure-filled first day, we checked into The Andrews Hotel, a charming, boutique hotel in San Francisco’s Theater District, and enjoyed the complimentary wine hour at the on-site Fino Ristorante.
After a long day and the 2-hour time difference from Houston catching up to us, we ended our night with a glass of wine, a hot shower, and an early bedtime.
We needed to rest up for Day 2!
Day 2 in San Francisco
After some much-needed rest the night before, we were ready for our second day in San Francisco.
Day 2 was our “iconic San Francisco” day—riding historic cable cars, sipping Irish coffee at a legendary café, strolling along the waterfront, and taking in postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Union Square
We started our morning with a quick hotel breakfast before walking to Union Square, San Francisco’s central hub for shopping, art, and people-watching.
Luxury boutiques, flagship department stores, and public art installations surround the plaza, while the iconic Dewey Monument stands tall in the center.
Even if you’re not here to shop, the square is a great place to soak in the city’s energy.
At one point, a friendly stranger invited us to play ping pong on one of the public tables—yes, there’s a ping pong table right in the middle of downtown!
We politely declined, wanting to stay on track with our plans, but it was definitely one of those quirky, spontaneous moments that makes San Francisco feel so special.
Cable Car to Fisherman’s Wharf
From Union Square, we hopped aboard one of San Francisco’s historic cable cars and made our way toward the waterfront. This was so much fun!
The clang of the bell, the open-air ride, and the sweeping views down the city’s steep streets make this a quintessential San Francisco experience.
We rode all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the city’s busiest and most famous waterfront neighborhoods, passing colorful buildings, bustling neighborhoods, and postcard-worthy skyline views along the way.
Yes, it’s touristy—but there’s something timeless about riding a cable car through the city, especially for first-time visitors.
You’ll definitely want to include this experience on your 3-day San Francisco itinerary!
A Broad Recommendation: A single ride on the San Francisco cable car costs $9.00. Children 4 and under ride for free. We paid the conductor in cash (no credit cards!) when we hopped on, but you can pay beforehand if you prefer. Check out the SFMTA site for more details on current pricing and payment options.
The Buena Vista
Just a short walk from the Wharf, The Buena Vista is famous for introducing Irish coffee to the United States in 1952, and they’ve been perfecting it ever since.
Their version is rich, creamy, and perfectly boozy—a must-try if you enjoy coffee cocktails, especially if you’re on vacation!
Service is fast-paced and lively, and seating is communal, so don’t be surprised if you end up sharing a table with strangers.
When we arrived, the line was already out the door. We ended up sharing a table with a lovely family, one of whom had been traveling the world on a cruise ship for the past year—how cool is that?
We swapped travel stories, traded Instagram handles, and wished them well on their next adventure.
If there’s space at the bar, grab it! You’ll have a front-row seat to watch the bartenders line up glasses and pour multiple drinks in perfect unison.
Ghirardelli Square
Next, we made a quick stop at Ghirardelli Square, where the city’s famous chocolate factory has been transformed into a charming plaza of boutiques, eateries, and a brewery.
It’s admittedly touristy, but worth a stroll, especially if you want a free chocolate sample or need a restroom break (there are public bathrooms here).
The brick walls and waterfront views make it a pleasant spot to wander for a few minutes.
Fort Mason Farmers Market
If you’re in San Francisco on a Sunday, consider ending your morning at the Fort Mason Farmers Market.
This open-air market is a local favorite, with stalls overflowing with fresh produce, flowers, artisanal bread, and small-batch goods.
Compared to the bustling Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Fort Mason’s vibe is more relaxed—think neighborhood meet-up rather than tourist hot spot.
You’ll also find food trucks and other vendors serving everything from tamales to fresh pastries, making it a perfect brunch stop.
Plus, its location is a bonus—you’re right by the water, with incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
It’s an easy stroll from the Marina District or Crissy Field, so you can pair it with a morning walk along the waterfront before diving into the rest of your day.
Marina District
Leaving Ghirardelli Square, we followed the waterfront into the Marina District, one of San Francisco’s most picturesque neighborhoods.
This area is known for its pastel-colored homes, chic boutiques, and breezy, open feel.
The flat streets are lined with charming cafes, and you’ll often see joggers, cyclists, and people walking dogs along Marina Green, a grassy stretch that runs parallel to the bay.
Sailboats bob in the nearby yacht harbor, and on clear days, the Golden Gate Bridge peeks out in the distance.
The Marina is also a great place to pause for a coffee or snack before heading toward one of San Francisco’s most beautiful landmarks—the Palace of Fine Arts.
Palace of Fine Arts
Just a short stroll from the Marina Green, the Palace of Fine Arts feels like a slice of ancient Europe transplanted into the heart of San Francisco.
Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, its grand rotunda and colonnades were designed in a Beaux-Arts style, complete with ornate Corinthian columns and a massive domed structure.
We honestly felt like we’d been transported back to our 3 days in Rome and one week in Greece!
If you have time, walk the full circle around the lagoon—each angle offers a different, equally stunning view.
No matter how much time you have, the Palace of Fine Arts should be on your itinerary!
This was one of my favorite moments of our 3 days in San Francisco.
Crissy Field
Continuing west, we arrived at Crissy Field, a former U.S. Army airfield turned into one of San Francisco’s most beloved parks.
This wide, sandy shoreline is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and offers some of the city’s most iconic Golden Gate Bridge views.
The flat, paved path makes it accessible for walking, jogging, or cycling, and the grassy areas are perfect for a picnic.
On warm days, you’ll find kite surfers (we saw a kite surfing competition!), families flying kites, and locals stretched out in the sun.
Along the route, small beaches like East Beach offer a closer connection to the water, and the Warming Hut Park Store at the west end is a great spot to grab a coffee or snack before you continue exploring.
A Broad Recommendation: From Crissy Field, you can continue on to Fort Point National Historic Site for an up-close view of the bridge’s towering underside or head uphill to Battery Spencer for panoramic vistas of the bay and skyline. Walking or biking across the bridge itself is also a memorable experience. We’ll have to do these next time!
Dinner at Scoma’s Restaurant
After soaking in the views at Crissy Field, we made our way back to Fisherman’s Wharf for an early dinner at Scoma’s Restaurant, a classic waterfront restaurant known for its fresh, sustainably caught seafood.
The menu changes daily based on the catch, but you can’t go wrong with their crab cakes, sweet Dungeness crab, or a creamy bowl of clam chowder.
If you’re hungry for something uniquely San Francisco, try the cioppino—a rich, tomato-based seafood stew that was invented right here in the city. This is what I had, and it was delicious!
We arrived before the dinner rush and were lucky enough to snag a window booth with harbor views and a cool bay breeze drifting in.
A Broad Recommendation: If you’re planning to arrive after 4:00 pm, I would recommend making a reservation, as this place fills up fast. It was nearly empty when we arrived, but most of the tables were full by the time we left.
Pier 39 Sea Lions
Just a short walk from Scoma’s, you’ll find some of San Francisco’s most entertaining residents—the sea lions at Pier 39.
Loud, smelly, and endlessly entertaining, you’ll see these guys barking, flopping around, and occasionally pushing each other off the docks in a dramatic splash.
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s crowded. And yes—it’s still worth it.
You can watch them for free from the pier, and it’s one of those simple pleasures that will make you smile every time.
As we glanced out toward the bay, we spotted a cruise ship pulling away from the harbor.
Funny enough, it was our new friend’s ship heading to its next port (the one we met at The Buena Vista!).
It felt like such a serendipitous moment and the perfect way to bring our day full circle.
From the pier, you can also see Alcatraz Island, and though we didn’t have time to visit during our 3 days in San Francisco, I would definitely like to do a tour here next time.
🚢 Book your own Alcatraz Island Tour here!
Chinatown & the Kobe Mural
From the waterfront, we headed back to our hotel via a stroll through San Francisco’s Chinatown, one of the oldest, largest, and most vibrant Chinatowns in all of North America.
It’s packed with colorful shops, fragrant boutiques, bustling produce markets, and more.
We stopped to admire the Kobe Bryant tribute mural (I was a huge fan of his growing up) and wandered the narrow streets, browsing for souvenirs, before making our final stop of the evening.
A Broad Recommendation: Don’t miss the Dragon Gate (Tian Xia Wei Gong) at the corner of Grant and Bush streets. These are the iconic gates that mark the entrance to San Francisco’s Chinatown.
Amorino Gelato
We wrapped up our second day in San Francisco at Amorino Gelato, a gelato shop known for its creamy, rich flavors and beautiful, flower-shaped scoops.
We first discovered Amorino during our 3 days in Nice, France, so it was a fun little travel connection once we realized this!
Day 3 in San Francisco
Our last day in San Francisco was a slower-paced exploration of charming neighborhoods, colorful architecture, and cozy cafés, before hitting the road for Yosemite National Park.
Painted Ladies & Alamo Square
First, we grabbed a quick breakfast and coffee from the hotel, then started with a quintessential San Francisco scene: the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square Park.
No San Francisco trip is complete without seeing the Painted Ladies—those colorful Victorian homes made famous by the classic 90s show, Full House.
Alamo Square Park, which is just across the street, offers the best vantage point, and if you come early (like we did!) or late in the day, you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying the view without the crowds.
A Broad Recommendation: This was also one of the stops on my fellow blog writer Candace’s road trip from Seattle to Austin. This goes to show that San Francisco, and the Painted Ladies specifically, should definitely be included on any California road trip!
Ride in a Waymo
After snapping a few photos of the Painted Ladies and soaking up the quiet charm of Alamo Square, we decided to skip the long walk back and try something a little futuristic—a Waymo autonomous ride.
Sliding into the car with no driver behind the wheel felt a bit surreal at first, but it was surprisingly smooth and efficient—and oh so much fun!
The car navigated San Francisco’s streets with ease, and we were dropped off right at our hotel without lifting a finger (or touching a steering wheel).
It was a fun, very “San Francisco” way to wrap up our morning before brunch, and Tim and I couldn’t stop laughing the whole time.
The New Spot on Polk
After checking out from The Andrews Hotel (and leaving our luggage), our friends picked us up for brunch at The New Spot on Polk.
This casual, friendly neighborhood spot serves hearty breakfasts and brunch classics with a local twist.
From fluffy pancakes to savory scrambles, everything is freshly made and generously portioned.
It was the perfect relaxed meal to share with friends before heading out of the city!
Russian Hill Bookstore
After brunch, we browsed the Russian Hill Bookstore, a cozy, independent bookstore that’s the kind of place you can get lost in.
The shelves are stacked with both new releases and well-loved used books, candles, notebooks, cards, and other fun finds, and the staff was friendly.
If you have extra time during your 3 days in San Francisco (and extra space in your bags), a stop at Russian Hill is well worth it.
Coffee at Saint Frank
Before hitting the road for our next destination, we made one last coffee stop at Saint Frank Coffee.
They roast their own beans, and you can taste the care in every sip.
Tim tried the seasonal Orange Cream Latte, which was yummy (of course, I had to try a sip or two!).
This was exactly what we needed before our 3-hour drive to Yosemite National Park, and a great way to wrap up our 3 days in San Francisco.
Best Time to Visit San Francisco
San Francisco’s weather is famously unpredictable, with chilly mornings, foggy afternoons, and occasional bursts of sunshine—sometimes all in the same hour.
Some locals joke that you can experience all four seasons in one day, and we felt this to some extent while we were here.
When we visited in June, highs hovered in the 60s & 70s, and we expected the city’s signature summer fog, especially along the coast. But, somehow, we lucked out and heard we got the best weather in months with totally clear skies!
For sunnier, warmer, and more predictable weather, September and October are your best bet. Spring is also pleasant, with blooming flowers in Golden Gate Park and fewer crowds than summer.
No matter when you visit, bring layers—you’ll thank yourself when the wind picks up by the water.
How Long to Stay in San Francisco
Three days in San Francisco felt like the sweet spot for us. This is enough time to see the city’s biggest attractions, explore a few neighborhoods, and still enjoy some downtime.
If you want to dive deeper into the museums, parks, and nearby wine country, you could easily stretch your visit to 4–5 days. You could also add day trips to places like Muir Woods and Sausalito.
How to Get to San Francisco
Most visitors fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is just 13 miles south of downtown.
From there, you can take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), a rideshare, or a shuttle into the city.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) are also options if you find better fares.
If you’re coming from within California, Amtrak trains, long-distance buses, and even ferries connect the Bay Area to nearby cities.
We rented a car because our trip continued to Yosemite National Park afterward, but if you’re just spending 3 days in the city, you likely won’t need one.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
We stayed at The Andrews Hotel and loved its European vibe and central location.
We paid around $240 for two nights (booked through Hotels.com).
A Broad Recommendation: Booking through Hotels.com will earn you OneKeyCash that can be used on future bookings through Expedia, Vrbo, or Hotels.com. I also pair my hotel bookings with Rakuten to get cash back—because who doesn’t love saving on travel?
The rooms are cozy but comfortable, and the location made it easy to get around without a car. Our stay included:
- Free continental breakfast each morning (yogurt, bagels, coffee) from 7–10 am
- Free wine & happy hour at the on-site Fino Ristorante
- Valet parking
A Broad Recommendation: If you rent a car like we did, be sure to budget for parking. The hotel offers valet parking for $52 per night (more for SUVs, but we were able to request the lower sedan rate). Self-parking nearby can save you a few dollars if you don’t mind the walk, but it’s still pretty pricey (like $45+ per night).
Getting Around San Francisco
Unless you’re planning day trips outside the city (like our road trip to Yosemite), you probably don’t need a rental car for San Francisco itself.
Parking can be expensive, and public transportation, rideshares, and walking will get you nearly everywhere you need to go.
If you do rent a car, check your hotel’s parking fees in advance.
Here are some more details on how to get around San Francisco:
- Public Transit: MUNI buses, streetcars, and the iconic cable cars are convenient and budget-friendly.
- Walking: Perfect for exploring neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach, Hayes Valley, and the Marina.
- Biking: Rent along the waterfront or in Golden Gate Park—there are plenty of dedicated paths.
- Driving: Handy for spots like Lands End or Fort Point, but parking downtown is tricky. If you have a car, bundle your “driving days” to save time and money.
Final Tips for Your 3 Days in San Francisco
Here are a few more tips to keep in mind for your 3 days in San Francisco:
- Bring layers—it’s often cooler than you expect, even in summer, and the weather here can shift in an instant.
- Comfortable walking shoes or supportive sandals are a must; the hills here are no joke.
- If you’re visiting multiple attractions, consider a San Francisco CityPASS or similar discount pass to save on admission fees.
- Stay street-smart, keep valuables close, and never leave items visible in your car. I carried my favorite travel fanny pack to keep my items secure.
- Follow local etiquette; stand right on escalators, don’t block sidewalks, and be mindful on cable cars, as these are used by commuters too.
- Don’t overpack your itinerary—part of San Francisco’s charm is wandering and discovering things off the itinerary too!
Final Thoughts on 3 Days in San Francisco
Our 3 days in San Francisco flew by, but we left with full hearts (and full stomachs) and plenty of reasons to come back.
From coastal hikes and local gems to those unforgettable Golden Gate views, this city gave us the perfect mix of urban charm and natural beauty.
Next up on our California adventure: 3 days in Yosemite National Park!
If you’re planning a trip of your own, I highly recommend pairing these two destinations for the ultimate Northern California getaway.
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
Sara is the founder of and voice behind Travel A-Broads, a travel blog designed to empower women to explore the world boldly and safely.
A Sr. Manager of a Data Engineering team (aka math nerd) by day and travel enthusiast by night, Sara shares practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiring stories from her adventures across 5 continents and 28+ countries and helps curious, independent women plan smarter, travel farther, and feel more connected along the way.
Read more about Sara’s journey here, and start planning your next adventure today!